Travelling with Pets
Its always a little concerning when you want to bring your furry family member with you, and you also want to experience some of our great tours.
Be sure to check out our accommodation houses below, when you are looking for somewhere to stay.
If you are in need of a pet sitter, we suggest reaching out to others in your vicinity who may also like to experience the region and share your pet sitting duties.
Pet Friendly Caravan/Camp Sites
*Disclaimer: Kununurra Visitor Centre is often called upon to provide numbers for pet sitting in the region. Whilst we do try to help with names and numbers of people who have offered their services, we are not responsible for the services offered by the pet sitter.
Keeping your pet out of National Parks in the East Kimberley.
We understand you like to bring your family pet along on holiday, but unfortunately, domestic pets are NOT ALLOWED in national parks, conservation parks, nature reserves, marine parks, or marine nature reserves. There are exceptions: You can bring your assistance animal into a park if it is certified as a trained assistance animal or is an approved assistance animal. This policy helps protect native wildlife, ensures a positive experience for all park visitors, and safeguards pets from harmful baits used to control feral pests, which can be fatal if ingested by domestic animals. This includes Mirima National Park, Molly Springs, Middle Springs, Black Rock, Marlgu Billabong (Parry Lagoons Nature Reserve), and Purnululu National Park.
Keeping your pet restrained in a car.
In WA the law states an animal being transported in a vehicle must not be in position where they could distract or obstruct the vision of the driver. The law also states that an animal cannot be on the driver's lap. So simply popping your pet onto the front passenger seat unrestrained where they could move freely around the car, distract you, obstruct your vision or even climb onto your lap, is not allowed.
The RSPCA can also issue fines under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act – if an animal is injured because it was unrestrained, owners face up to six months’ jail and fines of up to $5,500. So, restraining your dog is a must.
Keeping your pet safe from 1080.
Travelers in regional Western Australia who bring their dogs along are being urged to protect them from 1080 baits. These baits are widely used by farmers and pastoralists across the state on both private and public lands to manage feral pests such as wild dogs, foxes, pigs, and rabbits. Tourists travelling with pet dogs are urged to consider putting them on a lead and muzzling when off lead. Pet owners need to take responsibility for the safety of their animals.
For further information: Keeping family pets safe when travelling
Keeping your pet safe from cane toads.
If you are in the north of Australia with your furry companion, it is crucial to keep them safe by steering clear of cane toads. Although dog fatalities from cane toads are rare, it is essential to be aware of the risks, symptoms, and first aid measures. Signs of poisoning can include drooling, vomiting, loss of coordination, staggering, and seizures.
Keeping your pet safe from crocodiles.
Some locations where crocodiles live may have warning signs, but most don’t, therefore do not assume the absence of signs means that it is safe to stand near or in the water or swim. If you don’t know, then don’t go. Avoid the water edge wherever possible. Children and pets, which represent smaller prey that is easier to take are at particular risk. Always keep a look out for crocodiles. But be aware that a crocodile can remain hidden underwater for prolonged periods. They move with great stealth and camouflage, so you won’t always see them. For further information: BE CROCWISE.
Keeping your pet safe – protecting it from Canine ehrlichiosis.
Canine ehrlichiosis is a disease in dogs caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis, which is transmitted by ticks. In Australia, dogs can contract E. canis from bites by infected brown dog ticks. The disease occurs in the northern regions of Western Australia and South Australia, all of the Northern Territory and north-western Queensland. People travelling with their dogs into areas where brown dog ticks are present (see the map below) need to be aware of the disease and know how to protect their dog.
- Be particularly vigilant when in tick-infested environments and where there are congregations of dogs which may be carrying ticks. This includes places where you may stop at, like fuel stations and caravan parks.
- Check your dog regularly for ticks.
- Run your fingers through your dog’s coat over their skin and feel for abnormal bumps. Pay particular attention to the head and neck, inside their ears, on their chest, between their toes and around their mouths and gums.
- Use a tick repellent product on all dogs. Repellent tick collars and spot-ons provide the best primary protection, in combination with tablets and chews registered for brown dog tick control. Your veterinarian can provide advice about appropriate product use and dose frequency.
- Treat confirmed or potentially infected dogs with registered systemic tick control products for life, even if no ticks are visible on the dog. This will help prevent the disease spreading to other regions.
- Seek advice from the relevant state veterinary authority before moving potentially infected dogs to other parts of Australia. Some states require pre-movement testing, whereas others place a biosecurity obligation on the person in charge of the dog.
For further information: Canine Ehrlichiosis
Keeping your pet safe - protecting it from the dangers of a hot car.
Leaving your dog in the car for "just a few minutes" can be dangerously long. It is best to avoid it entirely!
The temperature inside a parked car can soar to double the outside temperature in a matter of minutes, and it can be fatal for a dog in just six minutes. Even with window tinting, shade, or slightly open windows, there’s often little relief.
Dogs regulate their temperature by panting, but in a hot car, they can’t cool down effectively. For instance, when it's a mild 22°C outside, the inside of a parked car can heat up to over 47°C rapidly, putting dogs at serious risk.
It is illegal to confine any animal, including dogs, in conditions where they may suffer. Leaving a dog in a hot car can lead to prosecution under the Animal Welfare Act (2002), resulting in fines up to $50,000 or five years in prison, along with potential bans on animal ownership.
Remember: A brief trip to the store could endanger your dog’s life. Don’t take that risk!
Keeping your pet healthy – a healthy dog is a happy dog.
Kimberley Vet
10 Leichardt St, KununurraPh: 0891 691 229Email: kimberleyvet@westnet.com.au
Keeping your dog exercised – a happy dog is a healthy dog.
The Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley off-leash designated dog areas in Kununurra.
Under the local Shire’s Local Laws 2003, Dog owners may take their dog off-leash at the Cemetery, Pump Shed, Lakeside Bush Path, and Swim Beach (areas highlighted in the map below). Within the designated off-leash areas, the dog owner must remain in control over their dog and carry a leash.
Owners must ensure their dog(s) can:
- respond to commands and return when called.
- remains a reasonable distance from the owner at all times.
- and does not act in a threatening or aggressive manner to people or animals.
Under the Dog Act 1976, dog owners must also ensure their dog is wearing a collar with a securely attached registration tag. Failure to comply may result in a fine. For further information: Kununurra Off Leash Dog Areas
